Santa Fe board approves superintendent search qualifications, posts timeline for national search

The Santa Fe Public Schools Board of Education on March 13 approved minimum and preferred qualifications for its next superintendent and accepted a draft timeline that will open the national search later this month and aim to name a candidate in early May.

The board said the search will be public and advertised nationally, with community, staff and student forums and a survey to collect input. Vice President Kate Noble told the board, "This is the time when people who are looking to be superintendents are looking for jobs," urging a timely posting so the district can attract a strong applicant pool.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Garcia reviewed the proposed qualifications, which the board characterized as baseline requirements and preferred credentials. The qualifications listed in the packet include: a master’s degree from an accredited institution with the ability to hold a New Mexico administrative license; at least five years of K–12 teaching experience; and a combined 10 years of K–12 school or district administrative experience. Preferred items include experience in New Mexico schools, prior work with labor unions, bilingual and multicultural experience, and a terminal degree. "I don't believe there's any changes being recommended to the qualifications as presented this evening," Dr. Garcia said as the board moved to vote.

Under the approved draft timeline, the district plans to post the vacancy on or soon after Monday, March 17, advertise nationally (AASA, Education Week) and in-state, and run community, staff and student forums beginning the week of March 17 and again March 31–April 4 to gather input. The advertisement is scheduled to close April 17; the goal is to distribute candidate packets to the board by April 24, hold finalist public forums April 30, and select a candidate in a special board meeting around May 1 with an announcement targeted for May 6. Board President Abeyta moved to accept the draft timeline and the motion carried.

The district contracted a search firm, identified in the meeting as Carol Strategies, to help publicize forums and the vacancy. Dr. Garcia said the posting will include a short advertisement directing interested applicants and community members to the district website for full qualifications, timeline details and application instructions. The board and staff said they will use the district’s usual communications channels — website, Remind, social media, radio and local print — and asked principals to help ensure student participation in the survey and forums.

Board members emphasized qualities they want in a candidate beyond the written qualifications. Vice President Noble highlighted the importance of timing and broad community input. Board member Heffron asked that candidates show familiarity with technology, cell-phone policy and the evolving national education context. Board member Rosay urged the board to preserve and expand innovation and experimental programs within the district. Several board members also discussed ensuring the search reflects the district’s stated commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion.

The board voted to approve the qualifications and the timeline during the meeting; motions to approve both items were seconded and carried by voice vote. The district will post the full job description and application portal on the Santa Fe Public Schools website and begin advertising immediately.

The board said the timeline and posting are subject to change depending on applicant pool size and scheduling needs; the posted schedule is intended to provide applicants and the public with dates for forums and finalist events.

Votes at a glance: the board approved (1) the superintendent minimum and preferred qualifications as presented and (2) the draft search timeline. Both motions passed by voice vote with the board saying "Aye" and "Motion carries."